Swelling in any part of the body is alarming, especially if you're unsure what caused it. Most swelling is a normal response to an injury, allowing the body to heal.
However, swelling that shows up without injury in the abdomen, legs, or feet is concerning, especially if you have kidney disease. It could be a sign of edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in any part of the body.
If you suspect you have edema, treatment is necessary, especially if kidney conditions are the cause. At Metro Renal Associates, our team of three experienced nephrologists offers diagnostic studies to determine the cause of edema and personalized treatments.
Edema is a type of swelling that occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the body. It can happen anywhere in the body, but is most prevalent in the legs, feet, and ankles. However, it can also occur in the abdomen, face, and hands.
Older adults and pregnant women are at risk for edema due to bodily changes with age and pregnancy. However, edema can also be a sign of an underlying condition that causes excess fluid, including:
Sitting or standing too long can also cause edema, as it's harder for blood to return to the heart, leading to fluid buildup. Certain medications also cause a fluid accumulation in the tissues and edema.
Sometimes, edema occurs due to lifestyle issues, such as being on your feet for too long. At the same time, it can also be a sign of a more serious problem.
It's essential to understand the difference between swelling and edema. Swelling is a term that describes any enlargement in the body's tissues. At the same time, edema specifically refers to swelling from an increase in fluid.
Swelling can occur after an injury to any part of the body. In contrast, edema usually happens in the legs, face, or abdomen. There are a few tell-tale signs of edema that include:
Another key sign of edema is called pitting. You have edema if you can push down on your skin and it leaves an indentation for some time. The degree of pitting depends on how long the skin remains indented after pressure is released.
Untreated edema has various complications that range from skin issues to life-threatening conditions. It's essential to seek treatment for edema as soon as possible to prevent further problems.
Edema can lead to stretched skin, an increased risk of skin ulcers, and itching or infection. More serious complications include circulatory problems, heart failure, and trouble breathing. Severe complications include multiple organ failure.
Before determining treatment for edema, it is necessary to identify the underlying cause. We perform blood and urine testing, along with checking your weight and blood pressure, to determine the cause of edema.
We also evaluate kidney function to determine how they're working. We provide treatment for the specific cause of the edema. Medications that are diuretics help eliminate excess fluid that causes edema.
Lifestyle modifications are also a good idea to control edema. We recommend using compression garments, elevating your feet when sitting, and reducing your sodium intake.
The goal of treatment is to identify the cause of excess fluid and eliminate it from the body to restore homeostasis.
To learn more about edema and our treatments, call one of our conveniently located offices in Washington, D.C., and Capitol Heights, Maryland. You can also request a consultation on the website.
